The world's premier student finance competition.
The CFA Institute Research Challenge is widely regarded as the investment industry's most prestigious university competition. It connects students directly with CFA Charterholders, portfolio managers, and senior analysts.
Participants gain real-world equity research experience that stands out to top employers in asset management, investment banking, and corporate finance. Past competitors regularly credit the challenge as a career-defining experience.
From campus to global finals.
Frequently Asked
Who is eligible to compete? ▾
Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible. All majors and levels of experience are welcome.
Does it cost anything? ▾
Nope! If we advance, travel to the CFA Boston Insitute, sub-regional, regional, and global competitions are covered.
What kind of support will we have? ▾
We work with our UMass faculty advisors and an industry mentor provided through the CFA Institute. The industry mentor we are provided with is someone with extensive knowledge of equity research. No prior knowledge is required to compete.
Is there a prize? ▾
The Global Champion team wins a $10,000 cash prize, while participants gain networking opportunities and hands-on professional training. Individual local societies may offer prizes as well.
What's Next
Industry Speaker Session
Join us to hear from a CFA Institute leader on AI in the industry, Research Challenge tips, and an open Q&A.
The first team.
The first students to represent UMass Amherst in the CFA Institute Research Challenge.
Equity research is the closest finance gets to good detective work.
You read the filings nobody reads.
You build the model until the model is honest.
And then you defend it in front of people who do this for a living.